30 Ways Your Backyard Herbs Will Transform Your Dinner

Summer and fall are perfect for stepping out into your backyard and snipping a handful of fresh basil, thyme, or mint. You can transform your everyday meal into something extraordinary, all from your own backyard! Your herb garden is a secret weapon for amazing meals, and these recipes featuring fresh herbs will help you get the most of it!

Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A stuffed portobello mushroom. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Check out these hearty portobello mushrooms filled with wild rice, caramelized onions, and spinach. They’re topped with crispy, herb-seasoned panko and baked to a lovely golden finish. It’s a fantastic option for a vegan dinner!

Get the recipe: Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Ikra Recipe (Eggplant Caviar)

A skillet with tomatoes vegetables and a hand holding a dipped piece of bread. — Image Credit: An Edible Mosaic

Ikra (aka eggplant caviar) is a zippy vegetable spread with a beautifully balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile. Pair it with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delicious appetizer, or serve it as a warm salad or side dish with pretty much any meal. Fresh parsley adds gorgeous pops of green and brightens the flavor, but fresh dill is also great here.

Get the recipe: Ikra Recipe

Pico De Gallo

A bowl with tomato, cilantro, and onion. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Pico de Gallo is all about using simple, fresh and tasty ingredients. Fresh cilantro brings this salsa together. Enjoy it with tortilla chips or sprinkle it over eggs, rice, or tacos for an extra kick!

Get the recipe: Pico De Gallo

Vegan Oregano Pesto

A bowl with a spoon on top, both filled with pesto. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Create your own oregano pesto sauce using fresh herbs. This simple recipe adds a punch of flavor to any meal. Try it with pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies.

Get the recipe: Vegan Oregano Pesto

Easy Greek Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

Salad in a bowl with cucumbers, red onions, and dill. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

This cucumber salad, inspired by Greek flavors and topped with Tzatziki dressing, is a refreshing side for summer. Pair it with pasta, sandwiches, a grain bowl, or alongside a grilled dish.

Get the recipe: Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

A jar of creamy green dressing. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This creamy cilantro dressing is packed with bold flavors and a smooth texture, using just a few ingredients. Greek yogurt and avocado make it creamy, fresh cilantro makes it herby, and fresh lime juice gives it a tangy twist.

Get the recipe: Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

Shredded Tofu Tacos

White corn tortillas stuffed with crumbled tofu, sauce, red onions, cilantro, and avocado. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

These tasty meatless tacos feature savory shredded tofu tucked into warm corn tortillas and piled high with classic toppings like lettuce, pickled onions, and creamy avocado. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime and a big sprinkle of cilantro for that extra zing!

Get the recipe: Shredded Tofu Tacos

Spicy Chimichurri Recipe with Spinach

A bowl of green herby dip. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This herby chimichurri sauce is packed with flavor from fresh parsley and it adds a nice kick to anything you pair it with. Use it on grilled meats, as a marinade, spread it on sandwiches, or even as a dip for your snacks!

Get the recipe: Spicy Chimichurri Recipe with Spinach

Lobster Fettuccine in Herbed Cream Sauce

Two bowls of pasta. — Image Credit: A Taste for Travel

This lobster fettuccine in herbed cream sauce is a fancy dish that’s great for special occasions but simple enough for a cozy weekend dinner. With loads of fresh tarragon, thyme, and parsley, the creamy sauce is packed with summery goodness.

Get the recipe: Lobster Fettuccine in Herbed Cream Sauce

Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus

A bowl of creamy green dip. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This creamy avocado cilantro hummus is made with chickpeas, rich avocado, zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a kick of jalapeños. It’s a fantastic dip for crackers or toast, and it also works great as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

Get the recipe: Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus

Lemon Basil Hummus

Creamy dip in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Lemon Basil Hummus is super smooth and refreshing, thanks to the bright flavors of lemon juice and fresh basil. It’s perfect for dipping chips or pita, spreading on sandwiches, or even tossing with warm pasta.

Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Hummus

Vegan Spanakopita

A pastry swirl on a plate. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

These crispy phyllo pastries are filled with a tasty spinach and vegan feta mix made from tofu. Brushed with vegan butter and baked until golden and crunchy, this vegan spanakopita is just as delicious as the traditional version!

Get the recipe: Vegan Spanakopita

Strawberry Basil Popsicles with Greek Yogurt

Pink and white popsicles on a counter beside basil leaves. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Beat the heat this summer with these 3-ingredient strawberry basil popsicles. They’re packed with sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and tangy Greek yogurt, making them the ultimate refreshing treat on a hot day!

Get the recipe: Strawberry Basil Popsicles

How To Freeze Fresh Herbs In Oil

A plate with rounds of fresh herbs frozen in oil. — Image Credit: Garden in the Kitchen

This guide will help you freeze fresh herbs in oil, so you can keep their tasty flavor on hand all year round. It's a super easy way to make sure you always have those delicious herbs ready for your favorite dishes!

Get the recipe: How To Freeze Fresh Herbs

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Fresh Oregano and Hot Honey

A bowl of white dip topped with an orange swirl of liquid and oregano leaves. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This whipped ricotta dip is incredibly easy to prepare with just five ingredients, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. You can blend the ricotta in a food processor in just a few minutes, making it perfect for unexpected guests. Finish it off with fresh oregano and a drizzle of hot honey for a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy treat.

Get the recipe: Whipped Ricotta Dip

Pearl Couscous Salad with Fresh Herbs

Salad in a bowl with pearl couscous, tomatoes and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This pearl couscous salad features chewy, nutty couscous mixed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a bright splash of lemon juice. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for a spring dinner, a picnic, or a healthy lunch at home.

Get the recipe: Pearl Couscous Salad with Fresh Herbs

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Pasta in a bowl topped with a lemon slice. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

This creamy pesto pasta recipe simplifies dinner by cooking everything in just one pot. While it might not be the traditional way, this method makes it super quick to serve up a homemade meal packed with veggies and tons of flavor!

Get the recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

Lemon Herb Chicken

Baked chicken topped with herbs. — Image Credit: Two Kooks in the Kitchen

Enjoy tender roasted or grilled chicken covered in a flavorful herb sauce that brings a delightful lemony aroma to your plate. This easy technique blends the savory chicken juices with a zesty, garlicky herb sauce that’s simply irresistible.

Get the recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken

Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A stacked sub sandwich filled with greens. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This chickpea and avocado salad spread is a delicious way to add some green to your lunch! Smash together chickpeas and avocado, mix in green onions and fresh herbs, then spread it on your favorite bread or bun. Top it off with spinach and cucumber for a refreshing meal.

Get the recipe: Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Plant Based Tzatziki

Yogurt cucumber dip in a bowl garnished with dill and cucumber half moons. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Tzatziki, the cool Greek dip we all adore, gets a vegan twist with dairy-free yogurt and shredded cucumber. It's flavored with lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill. Try it on veggie gyros, lemon potatoes, or just enjoy it with pita and veggies.

Get the recipe: Plant Based Tzatziki

Cheesy Pull Apart Rolls

Bread rolls topped with fresh herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Made from scratch with home pizza dough, these soft and fluffy rolls are shaped bake together for a pull apart experience, making them a fun and tasty appetizer or side dish. They're perfect with a warm bowl of soup or stew during the holiday season or any time of year.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Tree Rolls

Cabbage Crunch Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

Cabbage salad in a bowl topped with fresh herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

In just 20 minutes, you can have this cabbage crunch salad ready to go! It's packed with crispy veggies and tossed in a creamy peanut butter dressing, with sliced green onions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts for extra flavor.

Get the recipe: Cabbage Crunch Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

Feta Herb Scrambled Egg on Toast

Two slices of toasted topped with scrambled eggs and dill. — Image Credit: Jawns I Cooked

Herby eggs on toast with plenty of fresh dill and chives, tart feta cheese and scrambled eggs, on crispy, buttered sourdough toast!

Get the recipe: Feta Herb Scrambled Egg on Toast

Kale Chicken Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Salad in a bowl with greens, cucumber, herbs, and sliced chicken. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This chicken kale salad is packed with flavor! It features savory cumin-spiced chicken cooked in the air fryer, alongside crisp cucumbers, kale, and romaine lettuce, all topped with a creamy avocado cilantro dressing. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Get the recipe: Kale Chicken Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Vegan Dill Dip

A bowl of herby dip with a chip in it. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This vegan chip dip is super easy and delicious! Made with coconut yogurt, vegan mayo, fresh dill, garlic, and lemon juice, it's a refreshing snack that pairs perfectly with veggies or chips.

Get the recipe: Vegan Dill Dip

Classic Mint Mojito

Two glasses with clear liquid, ice, lime slices, and mint. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Beat the heat this summer with a refreshing Cuban cocktail! The classic mojito combines fresh mint and lime with white rum and a hint of sweetness for a perfectly cooling drink.

Get the recipe: Classic Mint Mojito

Greek Salad without Lettuce

Greek salad with peppers, tomato, feta, and black olives on a plate. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

This Greek salad is a refreshing and easy side dish featuring Mediterranean flavors, crisp veggies, fresh oregano, and a simple dressing. It's a great addition to any meal!

Get the recipe: Greek Salad without Lettuce

Raspberry Collins with Mint

Two glasses with pink liquid topped with a cocktail pick of raspberries and fresh mint leaves. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

The raspberry Collins cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet and sour, with muddled raspberries and a mint garnish. With just a few basic ingredients, it's a breeze to make for a crowd.

Get the recipe: Raspberry Collins with Mint

Spicy Pineapple Mango Salsa

Fruit salsa in a bowl with a hand to the left holding a chip with salsa. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

For a fruity and spicy twist on salsa, try this version with sweet mango and pineapple, spicy jalapeños, and fresh mint and basil. It takes just a few ingredients and minutes to prepare, and it's fantastic with chips, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.

Get the recipe: Spicy Pineapple Mango Salsa

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds

A bowl of bright green pesto sauce. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds offers a fun twist on the classic recipe! This quick, 5-minute dish combines fresh arugula or basil (even a combination!), garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and toasted pumpkin seeds for a creamy sauce that's great on pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.

Get the recipe: Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds